OCTOBER 9, 2025 – DENVER, CO – In a room of nearly 700 business leaders and elected officials, site selectors who steer corporate relocation and expansion efforts shared a clear-eyed view of the region’s economic trajectory and future opportunities at the annual Site Selector Feedback dinner, hosted by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, part of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
As Metro Denver continues to compete not just against other U.S. markets but also internationally, site selectors play a pivotal role in assessing the region’s ability to attract business expansion and relocation. By evaluating factors such as local talent, resource availability, and regulatory environment, these experts provide crucial insights for maintaining Metro Denver’s competitive edge both domestically and globally.
Top messages from the panel included:
- Overall, panelists agreed that Colorado continues to enjoy a strong national reputation—especially for its educated workforce, quality of life, and tax structure. However, they also noted the region is operating on “tight margins” compared to competitor states that offer richer incentive packages and faster permitting times.
- Companies are often operating on extremely quick timelines, losing tens of millions of dollars for every month a new site is delayed, and Colorado’s long permitting processes, uncertainty around availability and reliability of power, can hinder expansion from businesses on tight timelines. While panelists generally described Colorado as business-friendly, they emphasized concerns around increasing regulatory uncertainty in the state.
- Panelists universally praised Colorado’s talent quality and education ecosystem, calling it a primary reason companies shortlist the region. Talent remains a defining strength for Colorado, but housing affordability and availability threaten long-term competitiveness in attracting and retaining that workforce.
- Colorado’s unique Labor Peace Act puts Colorado between being fully Right-to-Work (where union dues can never be required as a condition of employment) and a fully Union Shop state (where dues can be compelled). The Site Selectors praise this compromise and note that many projects will never even consider fully Union Shop states. Colorado’s Labor Peace Act allows our communities to compete for every project.
- While being the first state to pass AI regulation might make us a leader, site selectors warn that this could hinder future development and growth. They encourage seeing how AI regulation plays out in other states and countries to see what works best. Being right is better than being first in this case.
- The availability and reliability of Electrical Power are major influences for companies as they consider site locations. As AI and technology continue to exponentially grow in the business setting, companies must be assured that Colorado can meet their needs. Site Selectors expressed concern that Colorado is falling behind competitor states in this area, because of current and proposed laws and regulations that will limit sufficient growth in base-load electricity.
“Hearing directly from site selectors about why companies choose or don’t choose to invest here is invaluable,” said J. J. Ament, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. “The work of our Metro Denver EDC gives policymakers and business leaders alike a clear view of where Metro Denver excels, and where we have work to do. That kind of honest, data-driven feedback from the very people who help make the actual decisions helps us sharpen our competitiveness.”
“Regionalism is one of Metro Denver’s greatest strengths, and it’s truly what sets us apart,” said Raymond H. Gonzales, President of the Metro Denver EDC and EVP of The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. “Our collaborative approach brings our private sector investors together with nearly 130 communities across 12 counties under a shared commitment to put Colorado first. That kind of coordination and trust doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country, and it’s what allows us to compete as one region, amplify our strengths, and create opportunities that benefit all of Colorado.”
The panel’s site selectors were:
- Steve Brunson, Vice President of Credits & Incentives at DMA
- Mike Falleroni, Principal at Ryan, LLC
- Larry Gigerich, Executive Managing Director at Ginovus
- Jane Haines, Senior Associate at EBP
- Savannah Jermance, Director of Credits & Incentives Consulting at Ryan, LLC
- Jim Renzas, Senior Director of North America at BCI Global
Throughout a weeklong conference leading up to the dinner, site selectors participated in numerous site visits and informational briefings, covering key sectors such as financial services, life sciences and aerospace. Local economic development agencies from the region presented on the unique offerings of their communities. The Metro Denver EDC is committed to serving the economic interests of the larger Front Range region, and a core philosophy behind this program is that “if anyone wins, everyone wins” when attracting new business to the market.
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, home of the Metro Denver EDC, is the state’s leading business organization privately funded and governed by its member companies. Businesses of any size who are interested in participating in the region’s growth can join and be part of this impactful network. The Chamber is committed to the Economic Empowerment of Every Coloradan and works to achieve it by advancing the economic vibrancy of the Metro Denver region through strategic growth and collaboration, where businesses of all sizes thrive. Join our mission by visiting: www.denverchamber.org/join
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About the Metro Denver EDC
The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC) is a private, business-led economic development organization driven by the support of its corporate and community investors. Funded by businesses, for businesses, Metro Denver EDC focuses on fostering a robust economic ecosystem by attracting and retaining companies, talent, and investment to the 12-county Front Range region in Colorado. Through strategic collaboration with more than 100 communities and innovative initiatives, the Metro Denver EDC is committed to advancing the region’s position as a global hub for business success and community prosperity.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) is the architect of tomorrow, igniting change and driving progress to build dynamic economies and communities. We champion innovation, forge powerful partnerships, and relentlessly advocate for our members and all Coloradans. With more than 150 years of trust and impact, we help business flourish.
The DMCC’s vision is Economic Empowerment for Every Coloradan and is achieved by advocating for effective public policy, developing civic leaders, and driving a sustainable economy. We promote a vibrant economy by fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting a skilled workforce and facilitating connections. Dedicated to boosting business and employee opportunities, the Chamber drives sustainable growth and prosperity across Colorado.
